Interview Preparation

You can be better prepared than the interviewer.

Although interview preparation is everything it's sad to say but perhaps as many as half of all interviewers you’re going to meet will be unprepared or incompetent. It’s not all their fault, it's just lack of interview preparation time or responsibility; some of them will be co-opted at the last minute to meet you and won’t have had time to prepare.

However there are those who just think they’re great interviewers and fly by the seat of their pants!!


It’s not all bad news though; you can turn this to your advantage. You can be better prepared than they are by following a few simple rules.


It may sound simple but what they really want to know falls into 4 key areas:


Why are you here?
What can you do for us?
What sort of person are you?
Can we afford you?
So you must prepare for this.
Let’s examine each one.

Why are you here?


Because you are interested in the job, the company, the challenge, the chance to learn and develop new skills, and you are ready to move for such a great opportunity.

What can you do for us?


You bring your experience, skills and achievements, as well as your desire to develop and contribute to a new team or department. (Think back to the work you did on achievements and skills)

What sort of person are you?


Someone who has initiative and gets on well with others and is flexible in attitude to different ways of working; maybe you are a great team player, or a strong leader or you describe yourself as loyal and conscientious.

Can we afford you?


Salary negotiation is another issue altogether, but the point is you should have a feeling for what the remuneration is likely to be and show them that you bring value-for-money.

That’s all fine as a general background to being better prepared than your interviewer, but now you must be more specific.

Put yourself on the other side of the desk – if you were doing the interviewing, what would you really want to know that would convince you to make a job offer?

You’d want to know about the 4 key areas above wouldn’t you?

So all you have to do now is write out your questions to explore those 4 areas. Make it at least 25 questions long and don’t avoid that question you don’t want to be asked (you know the one don’t you?) and then work out your answers.

I'll give you a start if you're struggling, click here for some of the most common questions you can start to work on. But don't just leave it there, build up a good list then get to work on your interview preparation.
Don’t forget to include the personal attributes of the ideal candidate, and be prepared to explain why they should hire you as opposed to any of the other candidates.


One final thing on interview preparation and being better prepared than the interviewer. If you’ve looked at my page on Self-marketing statements you’ll remember the “Career Overview” as the response to the “Tell me about Yourself” type of question. An interviewer who hasn’t prepared beforehand will naturally ask questions relating to what has already been said (by you).


The “Career Overview” therefore sets the whole agenda for the interview. Prepare this well and you’re streets ahead.


Now even if you do get the well-prepared, competent interviewer you will have done your interview preparation and be the well-prepared competent interviewee!!


Now I don't want you to get too complacent, but some organisations use structured interviews which are actually a boon to incompetent interviewers as they ask the same pre-determined questions to each candidate. No worries! best preparation for structured interviews.

What else should you do? Well there all sorts of interviews so you can never do too much interview preparation it's the most certain way of feeling confident when you meet the interviewer, whether she's competent or not.

Just as a brief aside read these two accounts of what incompetent interviewers can do to you (opens a new window)then come back here.

Now you might also want to get another opinion so take a look at this product as part of your interview preparation as well as all the information I've given you.


When you learn the 'behind-the-scenes' psychology of interviewing, the job is as good as yours. And it's not complicated and confusing at all. The funny thing is: These secrets are simple to learn! If you've got 47 minutes interview preparation time before your next interview, you can get the job you want without a struggle or effort.

97% of the population thinks it's all about having the right the skills and job qualifications. They think about brushing their teeth, using mouthwash and having their nails polished...and they're dead wrong!

Key Qualities and Personal Attributes

Nine Key Qualities and Personal Attributes that every organisation wants and every candidate must be aware of

One of your main challenges will be to determine precisely what key qualities and personal attributes the interviewer is looking for.
To help you out, just about all companies will measure you on some or all of the following key qualities:


• Communication Skills - Most important for any candidate is to be able to communicate clearly. Think before you speak. In your use of language, show organized, analytical thinking.

It may sound odd, but how you say something has been shown to be as important as what you actually say. Vary the tone of your voice, use appropriate inflection and diction. But don't speak too softly. Use correct construction and complete your sentences. You must be able to use language effectively if they are to see you representing the company

• Interest - Show that you have great interest in the company’s activities as well as the position. Demonstrate your interest by mentioning what you know about the business. If you also ask a few pointed questions, the interviewer will be gaining vital insights into your personal attributes as a candidate. Listen carefully to the answers you get to your questions as they give you critical information about the employer.

• Enthusiasm - Your chances of being offered a job will be severely limited if you show any hint that you could be only lukewarm about it. Remain positive and enthusiastic about it during the whole interview.

• Positive Attitude - Keep the tone of the interview upbeat throughout. Companies want employees who can achieve great results. A negative person hardly ever gets positive results. Smile at the interviewer; keep negatives out of the interview. Word your questions and answers positively.

• Professionalism – All companies want their employees to display this quality. It's something that shows up in a candidate's overall approach. You can show it best in an interview by demonstrating specialized knowledge and abilities in key areas of the job you are seeking.

• Self-confidence - Interviewers will watch your body language to see how self-confident you are. Stand straight; hold your head high, your shoulders back. Use a firm handshake. Look the interviewer in the eyes, even when confronted with unexpected questions. However don’t hold eye contact for more than say 60% of the time, after that it can become a stare and feel hostile to the interviewer. Avoid qualifiers such as "I think..." or “I believe that…”


• Leadership - Candidates with the ability to lead are universally sought after. Good leaders rely extensively on their ability to read situations. They sense an environment, picking up and interpreting soft data without having it spelled out for them. Explain leadership you have demonstrated in business, military service, or community activities.

• Sensitivity - To be a good team member and work well within a company, you have to be sensitive to other people’s key qualities, as well as their needs and differences.

• Flexibility - - Companies are seeking bright candidates who are able to analyze and adjust to changing circumstances, solve challenging problems, and quickly understand new concepts. Unwillingness to travel and staying within a limited geographical area will limit your opportunities. It's best for you to express open-mindedness about relocation.


How can YOU demonstrate these Key Qualities and Personal Attributes?

Your skills analysis and personal marketing statements should help you.

Reactions to Job Loss; Getting Past the Emotions

By Peter Fisher

Without doubt, job loss through downsizing or redundancy, is a major event for everyone when it happens. Most of us invest so much of ourselves in what we do that job loss can take away our sense of status and belonging, as well as the routine and support that work provides. With our job forming so much of our identity, it leaves us feeling disoriented and lost - but it can also be a first step to positive job or career change.

Everybody's reactions to job loss are different in the hours and days following being told that they are to lose their job. These are just some of the reactions to job loss:


• Some people expected it and are not surprised; they may be relieved that the uncertainty is over, and even feel excited about the future.


• Others are shocked and full of disbelief: ‘This isn’t true; you can’t be doing this to me.’


• Some will try to convince themselves that the whole process isn’t happening. One of the candidates in my practice went right back to her office and carried on with her job for several weeks without even telling her family.


• Others hardly stop to draw breath before writing their resume or CV and applying for new jobs.


Strong emotions are normal; shock, anger, rejection, excitement, relief, guilt and apprehension are all common responses to this situation. So learn to accept that you may feel these at some point.


Usually the early reactions to job loss include stages of numbness and denial and are followed by anxiety or anger; some self-doubt and negativity may follow. It can almost be likened to the necessary period of grieving for the loss of something so important in your life.

Your self-esteem may be affected and this is commonly accompanied by a loss of energy, in which case you need to give yourself a little time to adjust before re-establishing your self-confidence and presenting yourself to other people.

It is important to realise that this is a general pattern and that individuals go through change in their own unique ways. Individual patterns of emotion vary in length, sequence and intensity. Not everyone experiences every stage of these feelings; yet others may go through the loop more than once.

Gradually you will come to the acceptance that nothing can change what has happened. This is when you can start to let go of the past and begin to look forward; you can consider your options or explore new alternatives. This will be a very active time for most job seekers.

Over a period of time, the great majority of soon people come to terms with what has happened and its implications.



Learn all you can about career management and job search skills and continue to make use of resources such as my career change website throughout your career.

With over 25 years running businesses; as a Career Coach and Consultant in many sectors; Peter Fisher is recognized as an expert in Outplacement and Career Management and is well placed to guide job seekers through the steps needed in order to achieve that all important new position.

He has personally coached thousands of individuals to career success.

His distillation of these years of experience with all the essential facts and actions you must complete in order to achieve your own success is outstanding. He is very clear that you shouldn’t be misled into thinking of “acing interviews” or “finessing” your way into a business; the most sustainable and fulfilling roles are gained through understanding your own specific needs and creating your strategy accordingly.


You can learn more about his dynamic and comprehensive approach to career change, with every page dedicated to helping serious career changers if you go to http://www.your-career-change.com/index.html


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Dress for Success: Get the Visual Impact Right

Look the Part - Get the Part


My top tip to 'Dress for Success' is to quit smoking - some organizations will not employ smokers. This is not subject to anti-discrimination laws. So click the link if you need Quit Smoking Program


Your interview is coming up and you are feeling very confident. You’ve thought through your presentation statements and are ready to go. You have anticipated the questions they might ask you and have prepared some great answers.

You know what you need to ask them. Clean copies of your CV or resume are sitting in your briefcase. Before you go any further, you’d better ask yourself these questions and dress for success:

What should I wear?

Generally, it's a good idea to wear a suit for a job interview. Go with something simple, in a neutral tone. The more conservative your field is, then the more conservative your suit should be For example, if you're applying for a job in an investment firm, go with a navy blue or dark grey suit; on the other hand if it’s with a marketing company something more trendy or colourful would be OK. Dress for success.


What if my interview is for a job in a casual setting?

It's always a good idea to match your interview clothing to the prospective job. If you are applying for a job working on a warehouse floor, you will look out of place wearing a formal suit. Keeping that in mind, dress a little better than you would for a day at work and make sure your clothes are neat and clean.



My interview is for a job in a firm of accountants. This field is traditionally conservative, but this particular firm may be a little more casual.

How should I dress for success with this firm?

You won’t go wrong in a suit, but if you want to give more of an impression of "fitting in" then you need to find out how people actually dress for work at that firm. One way to do this is to observe people arriving for work. Choose any day other than a Friday, which is when some companies have ‘dress-down’. Get hold of some of the in-house newsletters to see photos of how they like to look. Again, dress for success and follow the rule of dressing better for the interview than you would for a typical day at the office.


Do I have to buy a new suit?

No. As long as your suit is in good condition and not outdated, you don't have to buy a new one. If you do decide to purchase a new suit, buy the best one you can afford and make sure you don't get anything too trendy. Wear it a couple of times so you feel comfortable in it.


What shoes should I wear to dress for success?

In all instances, wear closed-toe shoes. Sandals are never appropriate for a job interview, unless you are applying for a job as a lifeguard. Black shoes match everything (yes, even your navy blue suit). Stick with a conservative style. Women should not wear very high heels.


Must I buy new shoes?

No. Shoes you've already worn are fine, unless they are in bad condition or completely out of style. Some shoe polish may be in order though. I suggest black shoes with dark blue, grey or black outfits.


What about my nails?

Your nails should be clean. A man's nails should be kept short and a woman's nails shouldn't be excessively long and should be bare or polished in a neutral colour. Bright colours can be too distracting


I love wearing jewellery. Can I wear it for the interview?

Modest jewellery is fine, but don't wear large earrings or a thick chain. To dress for success you probably better being understated rather than overblown.


What about makeup? How much is okay?

Don't paint on the makeup. Keep it simple and use neutral colours. Again dress for success can be better rather understated than overdone.


What about aftershave or perfume?

Your idea of a pleasant scent may leave the interviewer gasping for breath, so best kept to a minimum. They'll remember you long after you've left but for the wrong reasons.

What should I carry with me - a handbag, a briefcase, a rucksack?

A woman can carry a small to medium sized handbag. A man or woman can carry a briefcase if he or she wishes, or a folder or portfolio case. When you dress for success you always feel confident.


Dress for Success Tips for Men and Women


Even if you know that the company dress is casual, make an effort and dress up for the interview anyway. It shows professionalism and respect, and more importantly, that you know how to dress for job interviews.

Dress for success means dressing conservatively for interviews and avoiding bright, flashy colours and patterns. Navy blue or medium to dark grey is usually best.
Wear comfortable clothing that doesn't need distracting "adjustments" when you sit or stand.

Clean and press all of your interview clothing and polish your shoes
Keep jewellery to a minimum. Avoid jewellery that might jingle or swing when you move. If you ordinarily wear facial jewellery (e.g., in your nose, tongue or eyebrows), remove all of it before interviews. Leave the shell chokers and neck chains at home. We'll come back to earrings later.

Practice good hygiene when you dress for success: Clean and trim your fingernails (or get a manicure), shower, brush your teeth, gargle with mouthwash, comb your hair, in other words good personal hygiene.

Avoid wearing strong perfume or aftershave. Fragrance is a matter of personal preference and your interviewer might dislike your choice.

Empty your pockets of bulging items, such as a cigarettes and coins.

Carry your paperwork (CV or resume, application letter etc.), a pen and notepad in a nice briefcase or portfolio preferably one that is colour coordinated with your conservative-coloured clothing (such as a black or dark grey briefcase). This makes you look organized and professional.


Dress for Success

Avoid Your CV Always Ending Up in the Bin

By Peter Fisher


Cover Letters must grab the reader's interest so that they immediately want to learn more about the writer (you).


Your cover letter is generally the first document those potential employers will read. So your job is to make sure it introduces you effectively and positively.

The 5 Best ways to make sure your CV or resume does get thrown aside:


• You don't include a powerful cover letter


• The same cover letter was photocopied or obviously used for another job


• The cover letter doesn't include all the information the employer specified


• The cover letter contains spelling, grammar or typo errors


• Your skills and qualifications don't match the job description or person specification


You really want to avoid your CV always ending up in the bin don't you, so when writing your cover letters, be sure to:


• Customize the cover letter to the particular job you're applying for


• Emphasize exactly how you expect to contribute to the company or organization


• Show interest and enthusiasm in the advertised job.


• Tell them you know about what they do and why you are interested in joining them


• Illustrate how your skills match the job description


• Check carefully for spelling errors and typos


• Address your letter by name to the person advertising (ring for the name if possible)



Your cover letter will get much better results if you show that:


• You know what employers want


• Your strengths have the edge over the competition


• You tailor your cover letter to meet their specific employer's needs


If you need more specific guidance on writing great cover letters or could use some examples to help you just visit my website at the address below.



With over 25 years running businesses; as a Career Coach and Consultant in many sectors; Peter Fisher is well placed to guide job seekers through the steps needed in order to achieve that all important new position.


He has personally coached thousands of individuals to career success.


His distillation of these years of experience with all the essential facts and actions you must complete in order to achieve your own success is outstanding.

He is very clear that you shouldn’t be misled into thinking of “acing interviews” or “finessing” your way into a business; the most sustainable and fulfilling roles are gained through understanding your own specific needs and creating your strategy accordingly.

For specific guidance on how you might produce your own compelling cover letters go to http://www.your-career-change.com/Cover-letters.html


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Psychometric Tests Made Easy!

Concerned about psychometric tests?

In the UK probably about 75% of medium to large sized organizations use these tests as part of their selection procedure alongside interviews or other face-to-face techniques.

It doesn’t mean that you should be worried; any feedback you receive will help you to understand and describe your personality better now and in the future.

1. What are psychometric tests and questionnaires?

Many companies used to rely solely on interviews to assess candidates for most jobs, and quite a lot still do. However, we know that interviews can be highly subjective and don't necessarily produce the most accurate results. Consequently, many companies are complementing the interview with more objective and accurate assessment methods such as these.

The use of psychometric tests and questionnaires aims to measure your abilities and personality.

The information they collect helps to identify your strengths and areas for development on an objective basis. A lot of information can be collected in a relatively short time and is collected under standardised conditions. Its objectivity is further derived from the fact that a person’s score is compared to the range of scores obtained from a large group of people from a similar background, e.g. students, programmers, sales staff or managers who have taken the same psychometric tests.

2. Types of psychometric tests and questionnaires

First, let me make a distinction between tests which have right and wrong answers, and questionnaires which do not, but which ask about your interests and how you normally behave. There are three main types of tests or questionnaires, measuring:


Ability/Aptitude


These assess specific enduring abilities such as:


Verbal understanding and reasoning with words;
Numerical understanding and reasoning with numbers;
Diagrammatic reasoning with abstract symbols;
Spatial reasoning with shapes and forms;
Mechanical comprehension involving principles of mechanics and physics;
Checking ability, with words and numbers

Tests of Special Aptitude are also fairly common and assess your capacity for a specific job like computer programming, or for a task such as learning foreign languages. Often aptitudes are measured by a number of different, but related, tests.


Personality

These psychometric tests assess up to 32 different aspects of personality such as your temperament, feelings and relationships with others, and your attitudes and values.

Unlike tests, these do not have right or wrong answers and are known as questionnaires.

They are always in multiple-choice format, normally with three, four or five possible responses to choose from, or rank in order.

Popular ones you might come across could include 16PF, OPQ or Penna Assessor all of which can be completed on-line or on paper.


Interests


Interest questionnaires are normally only used for career counselling purposes. The questions usually relate to different types of job activities or tasks. You are asked to give your preferences, and from your answers the types of jobs you would prefer, and the direction your career might best take, can be deduced. The Strong Interest Inventory is one you may see.


3. Using the results


The psychometric tests and questionnaires:


Are always administered and interpreted by qualified staff that are trained in their use;

Are chosen because they are relevant to the specific requirements for a specific job, or a range of jobs at a specific level;

Are reliable, i.e. you would get similar results if you sat them again;

Are valid, i.e. they have been shown to predict current or future job performance;
Results are never used on their own but usually in conjunction with an interview.

The results can help the interviewer to prepare, and to focus the time on key questions which need detailed consideration. By using these methods, it is much more likely that the right person will be selected and developed for each job. You are also likely to benefit by securing a job which is more suitable for your particular abilities, interests and personality.

4. A typical psychometric tests session


You may be asked to take a number of tests. They will be administered in a comfortable environment and all necessary equipment will be provided. The time allowed for each test will vary.

Each ability test is unlikely to take less than 10 minutes and not more than 40. Personality and interest questionnaires have no set time-limit since you must respond to all of the questions, but usually take between 20 and 60 minutes.


Preparation

Being well prepared and doing practice example questions beforehand will give you a much better idea of what to expect and reduce any anxieties you might have about the testing session. Consequently, you will be more likely to perform at your best and give a truer account of your abilities. Many bookshops stock books containing practice material and it is also possible to access examples of psychometric tests practice questions through the internet.

Analysing Adverts

The Art of Getting it Right
Analysing adverts thoughtfully saves you more than just your time.

So my fundamental rule is: if you are going to apply for advertised jobs then only apply for the right ones. Don’t waste time by applying for the ones you’ve no chance of getting; not only is your time lost but your morale will suffer if you keep getting rejections.

When you are looking for a new job, particularly if you don’t currently have one, it’s too easy to be ‘busy’ by spending your time on the wrong things.


Start By Doing The Right Things
Coaching For Success
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I observed one of my students reading a well known Daily Newspaper which on this particular Thursday had around 40 pages of display adverts. As he read through, it became clear to me that although there were so many ads, there really wasn’t anything suitable for him.

However when he reached the end of the jobs section without marking or copying any of the vacancies, he went right back to the beginning and re-read the whole section until he found something he could apply for.

Then he sat back with a look of satisfaction because he could now say he’d found something to apply for and get on with an application.

In fact he’d wasted all that time, the job wasn’t suitable but he felt as though he’d been busy and had something to show for it. When the “no thanks” letter arrived it just deepened his desperation. He really hadn't learned what I'd told him about analysing adverts.

So what should you do?


Analysing adverts means looking very carefully at each advert that is of interest and reading it several times until you get the feel of what’s being said.

When you have that feel, try to read between the lines to deduce if there is one ‘crucial’ need if there is anything else you could infer from their words. It’s also useful to read it critically and ask “have they missed anything out” that could affect your suitability.

Now you know what it’s all about, take a highlighter pen and mark every clause or phrase where they state what their requirement actually is.

Analysing adverts shows you how to decide if these needs are ‘essential’ or merely ‘desirable’ and I’ll show you the difference in a minute.

The essential requirements form the backbone of the job and you should be able to meet more than 60% if you are to be considered.

The desirables are nice-to-haves and the more of these you meet the better, but they are not the main issue.

If you still see a good match, go ahead and draft your response letter. You should try to follow their style of writing by using similar phrases and words but don’t just regurgitate their ad back to them.

When you look at the advert some phrases will stand out:

“it is essential that you…” is a bit of a giveaway,

or “you must have…”

or “you will have…”

all shout ‘essential’ at you so look for similar phrases to match yourself against.


Others are not so firm and may say:

“you should have…”

or “some knowledge of…”

or “ideally…”.

These are all saying ‘desirable’ but not essential.

Now I said that you should look for the ‘crucial’ need – if there is one and you don’t have it, then don’t proceed, this one is the killer and will knock you straight out.

If you do have it…

Make sure it’s the first thing you mention in your response. That says “this candidate understands what we need”.


Now you’re ready to write your letter you must make sure you can grab their attention. See my section on how to write compelling cover letters that demand attention, show how you meet their needs with an enthusiastic, positive and reassuring letter that expects action.

You will quickly find that analysing adverts becomes second nature, and you will know exactly how to demonstrate the match.


But don’t ignore the other things – please make sure you follow all the instructions i.e. reference number, closing date, enclose CV, give salary details.

If you don’t do this you still might find yourself knocked out just for being careless.

Analysing adverts is more art than science but if you approach it honestly you’ll find more time to do other productive things such as networking with the time you’ve saved.

Analysing adverts is made so much easier when you fully know yourself and what you can do.

Interview Questions are your hot leads!

Interview questions are not to be feared if you follow the guidance here, and take the time to prepare properly. Interview questions give you the best opportunity to demonstrate your talents and skills and position your answers so that you are seen as the right person.

Listen carefully and you'll hear they are giving you a clear lead by telling you what’s important to them.

In the interview, you have a relatively short time to create a memorable impression and demonstrate your skills and abilities to the decision-maker. If you've prepared your answers to the interview questions that are most likely to come up, you can be sure it will go well.

Now don't sit there worrying about these questions.

Do something -- you can get the top interview answers guide with all the best interview answers to download and keep here

Visit Psychometric Tests page to see how psychometric tests may be used in an interview situation.

To get yourself off to a really good start, think about the most important qualities that all employers want from their employees. When you are able to satisfy them on these points, the rest of the interview will go so much better, and the interview questions relating to technical skills will be less difficult.

Why do I say this?

Because when you satisfy these key qualities they see you as someone who will fit in and 'compatability' is actually much more important than 'competence'.

So here are the 9 key qualities that most organisations are usually looking for and their interview questions will definitely cover these areas.

Remember, asking your own intelligent and considered interview questions is one of the surest ways of making a good impression.

If there’s a panel asking a different range of interview questions, try to address your answers (or your questions) to the right person (don’t ask the sales manager questions about the company’s industrial relations policy).


If it’s a first interview don’t ask too many questions about pay and conditions. You will have an opportunity to discuss these points if you are offered the job.


The evening before the interview re-read your application form or letters relating to the interview; some people have been known to think they were somewhere else, being interviewed for something else!! (You wouldn’t do that – would you?)

The interview begins the moment you arrive. (In fact I’d say the moment you arrive outside the building – so make sure your car is clean if you drive to the interview –they might be looking through the window!) So make sure you arrive on time.


First Impressions

If the second secret of success is to arrive on time, then the third is to dress suitably. This does not mean dressing up but you should dress smartly and conventionally. Think about the firm or organisation that you are going to.

Is it an old established firm that have very strict policies on dress and appearance or is it a trendy new company that prefers its employees to be up-to-date? Whatever you decide to wear ensure that you are neat and tidy and that you feel comfortable.


When I was coming to the end of a 2 year contract in 1994, I was keen to join KPMG Management Consulting, to gain wider commercial exposure. This was a firm that had a solid reputation as part of an international firm of Chartered Accountants; so I got hold of company newsletters and brochures just so I could see their 'team photo's'. I knew how best to dress to fit in after that! Dress for success and manage the visual impact

When you first arrive, the place will be making an impression on you.

While you are waiting to go into the interview, if you don’t already know, try to find out the name of the interviewer from the receptionist. Don’t worry if you find out that it’s going to be a panel interview.


As you enter the room, try to create a favourable atmosphere with a warm greeting. Use a strong handshake and establish direct eye contact. Use the interviewer’s name; be positive, interested, and confident (but never to the point of cockiness or abrasiveness).

Remember that you are there because the company is interested in you.

They are not trying to trick or embarrass you; they want you to be successful.

Also just think that you may be the last interviewee in a very long and tiring day, so make it easy for the interviewer; it’s one way of making a good impression. So here is what should you look out for the do's and don'ts


A 2-Way Conversation


Remember that interviewers are human and can sometimes suffer from interview nerves. They can dry up if things go badly. A good interview is a two way process, a conversation not an inquisition.

If you take the time to prepare you’ll probably have done more work than the interviewer; try to be as close as possible to your normal self. Do not be afraid of humour and listen carefully to what the other person is saying.

An interview should be a 2-way conversation, so you must both talk and listen. Find some way to make the interviewer remember you as an individual who interacts with others. Listen closely to the answers to your interview questions and be equally attentive to the questions that you are asked.

If you’re unsure on any of the interview questions, don't be afraid to ask for clarification, but don't waste time. Be specific with your answers and relate each answer to the job you are seeking. It’s best to prepare answers to the common questions that you will almost certainly be asked Top 50 questions

The interviewer can't read your mind, so prepare to make your own case. Think about how to present your skills as benefits and be ready with your answers to interview questions

In my experience some interviewers don’t allow enough time to prepare and you can turn this to your advantage - you can be better prepared than your interviewer If you both fail to prepare, you’ve both wasted your time. If you make sure you’re ready, it can be a terrific interview.

A conversation is more than just an exchange of words. A dialogue of non-verbal signals is taking place at the same time as the verbal interview questions and you should be sensitive to this dialogue of movement, gesture and eye contact.

A special note for panel interviews: when answering your questions, make good eye contact with whoever asked the question, but continue to make regular eye contact with all members of the panel. If you don’t you may find it harder to re-establish eye contact and end up looking and feeling uncomfortable.

For specific advice on dealing with competency based or behavioural interviews - What if it's a structured interview?

Interview questions are not only your hot leads because they let you know what is important to the interviewer, but your interview questions let them know you are interested.

Networking Works

Networking - Job Search Tactic #1

Networking and Employment Search.
Surveys show that between 35% and 60% of all job changes occur as a result of informal discussions with personal contacts. Now you can tap into this most powerful employment search technique and find unadvertised jobs to suit you.


This is one of the most important skills you as a job seeker have to develop. I will show you how to work through the following issues so that you know:

How and why this will work for you

Who to contact

How to make contact and what to say

How to develop and grow your network

The importance of networking effectively cannot be stressed enough - you MUST get some practice in now!


To help you, I've written a short but very detailed manual to show you everything you need and how to find hidden jobs


This is also where your words have never been more important.

Your aim is to meet people who can influence your thinking; people who can offer constructive advice on the type of job or career you are considering.

Networking with known and new contacts creates a unique opportunity to practice your marketing message. It also allows you to get briefed on particular areas of interest and in doing so to gain a deeper understanding of the relevant issues.

When you've decided where you're headed it's so helpful to ask the question "if you were me..."


By meeting people and growing your network you have at hand the surest method of getting feedback on your ideas and clarifying your objectives.


But please don't mess up by giving the impression that you expect anything other than advice from your contact. This is the one thing everybody can give freely. If they think you're expecting them to give you a job you've blown your chance.


Oh! and another thing; the meeting is best face to face but don't expect anybody to agree to more than 20 minutes - so only ask for that. If when you're talking they say they're OK for longer then that's fine. But if not leave after 20, you can always go back again.


You can rely on this to be a really powerful tool in your employment search, but take care when you plan your meeting.

Now for something this powerful you'd expect there to be certain things you must or must not do wouldn't you?

Of course there are, but to make it easy for you just follow these networking rules and you'll find it all comes together very quickly.

So get cracking, if this is going to work, you have to start building your network list.

You should aim for at least two hundred names - you won'tt need to talk to them all, but it makes sure you haven't forgotten anyone!

I've put together a mnemonic to help you build your list because some of my students found it hard to get started.

You will find of course that your most powerful friend when you start is the telephone; read my phone power page to make sure that you get the best from the phone.

Check also for the best ways to find unadvertised jobs and how the Direct Approach is 10 times more effective that speculative letter writing.

Self-Describing Words That Deliver Success For YOU

Self-Describing Words That Deliver Success For YOU
Personal Marketing Presentation Statements

Don't be too worried if, like a lot of us you have some difficulty when it comes to talking about yourself.

The preparation of some self-describing, personal “Presentation” statements can give you a real edge when it comes to your turn to talk about yourself. These personal marketing statements can easily be learned and delivered when you need them.

Your personal describing skills can be developed and some of us are better than others, but many of us can get a little tongue-tied at the time when we need to be at our most eloquent.


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A solid framework of personal marketing statements which you have already carefully thought through, means you can respond quickly in any given situation.

To find out how you can easily build up your own statements, hop over to my Career Consulting site and read about how you can get your free Career Personality Test Report which will give you a new slant on describing yourself.

When you consider there are all sorts of situations when you might benefit from talking to someone in either a formal or non-formal way, if you get these prepared, it will be so much easier.

Check the examples I've given you and then prepare your own.

A 30 second “Capsule” that illustrates who you are, what you do, and benefits to an employer


The Capsule Profile includes:

What I am
What I have done
What I can do
My strengths
Lasts for approximately 30 seconds

Career Change Is Your Choice & Your Responsibility

Career Change Is Your Choice & Your Responsibility

By now, most of you know that your career is your own responsibility. The days when you thought your career was your employer's responsibility have gone. Life-long careers with one employer are almost unheard of - and even if you stay with one for a lengthy period, it's still up to you to manage your career.

For anybody that finds this news, look around at the changes taking place. If you don't meet requirements at a given time you're more likely to be "released" back to the market than "developed" in a new role. So...

What can you do about your career?

What will you do about your career?

Why put up with the frustration and uncertainty? Or will you use the career change information on this site to do something about your career development?

I'll show you the surest and easiest ways to really get your career back on top form and enhance your employability through the free career change resources on this site.


What's more, I'll help you every step of the way. You're going to feel good about your job and career, you'll get a renewed sense of personal satisfaction from it and I promise you that you can do it if you believe in yourself.



To help you do all that, on this site you will learn how to:



WORK OUT YOUR GOALS

BUILD UP YOUR SELF CONFIDENCE

HELP YOURSELF TO CV AND RESUME SAMPLES - most are free;

CREATE SELF-MARKETING STRATEGIES THAT WORK;

FIND OUT how to get from where you are to where you want to be;

DISCOVER ANSWERS TO TOUGH INTERVIEW QUESTIONS;

POLISH YOUR INTERVIEW SKILLS;

GRAB FREE EXAMPLES OF COVERING LETTERS AND APPLICATIONS;

FIND HOW TO ACCESS UNADVERTISED JOBS EASILY

STAY MOTIVATED THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER CHANGE;

WIN THE JOB YOU WANT;

Making plans

Set your self short and long term goals. Be realistic, consider the time you have available, focus on the priorities you have set for yourself, break down large tasks and review your plans regularly.

Seek feedback whenever possible from your applications and interviews (many, though by no means all, employers will take the time to give you feedback on your written application or your performance at interview).
Aim to take decisions based on realistic and informed choices.

Write your own action plan - you may want to do this in consultation with your Careers Adviser

Review your progress with a Careers Adviser and adapt your strategy as appropriate.
Use Prospects Planner (computer-aided guidance).

Focus on options

Make confident decisions by analysing the research you have done on yourself and your options. Consider completing computer-aided guidance program (Prospects Planner) and discuss your situation with your Careers Adviser

What's out there ?

This involves identifying the kind of tasks, activities, qualities, aptitudes and skills required in particular types of work. This allows you to relate 'what I want and what I have to offer' to possible areas of work.

It's also about researching job prospects (are there many jobs in this occupational area? Are they in the right location for you?), competition at entry level and employment trends (is this occupation likely to still exist in 5 years time?).

To make certain that a job will really suit you, you need to research thoroughly any types of work which appeal to you, as well as similar or related occupations, considering carefully how closely they fit your own personal specification.

You are capable of doing many jobs, but to be happy and fulfilled there should be a good match between your skills, abilities, values and the demands of your chosen occupation. This will allow you to focus your job seeking activities on areas you know you will enjoy and are therefore more likely to be successful.

What I want and what I have to offer

Identify what factors are important to you, build up a picture of your priorities in terms of skills, interests and what motivates you, recognise what might hold you back and identify how to fill any gaps in your experiences.


Self-knowledge involves identifying your individual characteristics in relation to work. The main factors to consider include your:

Abilities (aptitudes)
Skills
Interests
Values (what motivates you)
Personal qualities
Preferred lifestyle
Consider also any constraints (e.g. lack of mobility) and how you might overcome them.